But that hasn't deterred the female candidates from holding rallies and campaigning.

Shenkay Karokhel is an ex-parliamentarian and former ambassador of Afghanistan to Canada. She resigned from her post earlier this year to return to Kabul and contest again.

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Karokhel says the threats won't stop her from trying to make a difference in her country.

"Life in Afghanistan is full of risks and challenges. Even walking down the street is a risk. And it's not just politicians facing them, but also the average citizens," the former diplomat told Al Jazeera.

Karokhel has served in parliament twice and was not planning to contest again, but that changed when her close friends intervened.

"They [friends] forced me to resign from my post in Canada. But my children are not happy because they know how dangerous the job is," she said.

'Women less corrupt'

Arabzai and Karokhel say the reason why more women are now deciding to take part in politics is simple: to fight corruption.

"Women are less corrupt than men in our country. We are the first victims of corruption. More women in places of power means less corruption and more development," Karokhel said.

Money continues to play a role in who makes it to the top offices in Afghanistan. Campaigning is expensive and some candidates allege people demand money in return for their votes.

"Many people have asked for money to vote for me. But that is not how I want to be voted in. That is not the politics that I'm interested in. That is the politics that got our country here in the first place," Arabzai said.

In Khusahal Khan Mina neighbourhood of Kabul, the challenge facing Sabri Andar is greater than that faced by Arabzai or Karokhel.

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Andar is disabled and moves around in a wheelchair. But she is determined to become a lawmaker.

"I decided to run for office three years ago after seeing all the problems young people and women in particular face in our society," Andar told Al Jazeera as a small crowd of supporters waited outside her office.

She was the first speaker of Afghanistan's youth parliament.

"In our society, some people believe women should not lead. I want to show them that it is possible to be young, a woman, disabled, and also be a member of parliament," the 26-year-old said.

With polling stations in Afghanistan set to open in less than 24 hours, Andar has a message for the country's youth.

"We should not lose hope. Only we can change our situation, not others. The youth need to go out and exercise their right tomorrow," she added.